Dive Brief:
- iCIMS, a cloud-based provider of talent acquisition solutions, has acquired TextRecruit, a candidate engagement platform that utilizes texts, chat and AI to enhance the recruitment process.
- As more candidates show their preference to communicate via text rather than email, the platform will work with iCIMS to integrate messaging applications with their talent acquisition suite. The result is aimed to be a simpler way for recruiters and candidates to connect quickly and effectively, streamlining the hiring process.
- TextRecruit's relationship with iCIMS isn't new, as TextRecruit has officially partnered with iCIMS since 2015 to bring texting to the platform. For now, those that use TextRecruit outside of iCIMS will still be able to, but as ERE says, it may be a disruptive "get" for the applicant tracking system.
Dive Insight:
As companies shift their processes to meet demands of the applicant pool, texting seems a natural progression. The BYOD revolution isn’t just for current employees. Candidates are more likely to respond immediately to a text message than an email, which could shorten hiring time and allow recruiters to snag top talent before another company has the chance.
The mobile-first HR strategy factors the smartphone into every aspect of employee relations, from recruitment to retirement. Industry leaders like McDonald's have initiated Snaplications — applications through Snapchat to attract talent from the venues they utilize most often. More employers are seeking out applicants wherever they gather, rather than hoping they’ll find a job posting randomly online. Savvy recruiters who look for creative ways to speak directly to the applicant pool will likely have an advantage over the competition.
